Our work

The EESC issues between 160 and 190 opinions and information reports a year.

It also organises several annual initiatives and events with a focus on civil society and citizens’ participation such as the Civil Society Prize, the Civil Society Days, the Your Europe, Your Say youth plenary and the ECI Day.

Members & Groups

The EESC brings together representatives from all areas of organised civil society, who give their independent advice on EU policies and legislation. The EESC's 350 Members are organised into three groups: Employers, Workers and Various Interests.

Sections & other bodies

The EESC has six sections, specialising in concrete topics of relevance to the citizens of the European Union, ranging from social to economic affairs, energy, environment, external relations or the internal market.

We need the voice of workers to be heard loud and clear not only in the European Parliament but also in the Commission said Oliver Röpke, President of the Workers' Group. For this reason, the EESC Workers' Group organised a side event at the ETUC Congress to discuss how we can ensure that the rights of workers are at the centre of the political agenda in the new European Parliament.

EESC puts forward proposal to increase their contributions. The bioeconomy is a crucial factor in fighting climate change, responding to the growing food demand and boosting rural areas. In its opinion on the Updating of the Bioeconomy Strategy, adopted at its plenary session of 15 May, the EESC calls for better support for SMEs in the form of advice and access to finance

The development of artificial intelligence in Europe should be as broadly inclusive as possible, the EESC says in its assessment of the European Commission's Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence. Policy should ensure civil society reaps the numerous benefits of AI while minimising risks such as the manipulation of democratic processes.

EESC resolution urges civil society to turn out in force at European elections and vote for a united Europe
The EESC's plenary session on 15 May adopted a resolution calling on all EU citizens to turn out at the forthcoming European elections and vote in favour of a united Europe. The Committee also invited civil society organisations to join efforts to mobilise voters. Read the full text here.

DiscoverYEYS– Your voice matters, our digital publication enhanced with animation and multimedia content (videos, photos galleries). It shows a broad presentation of the 2019 event against the backdrop of the European elections, an overview of the nine previous editions and the EESC'...

Opinions in the spotlight

In October 2018, the European Commission launched the updated European Bio-economy Strategy. The purpose of this update to the 2012 Bio-economy Strategy was to address the challenges of living in a world of limited resources.

EESC opinion: Communication updating the 2012 Bio-economy Strategy

The EESC welcomes the coordinated plan and calls for urgency in its implementation. To succeed in global competition, the EU must be at the forefront in innovation and investment, following the principle of "human in command" and trustworthiness of AI.

EESC opinion: Coordinated Plan on the development of Artificial Intelligence in Europe

With this opinion the EESC welcomes the Commission's strong message on reinforcing the Single Market and the need for commitment from all Member States and citizens. The EESC calls for a Single Market that must be perceived as an opportunity to reassert European values, fundamental rights and duties to achieve progress and welfare for all Member States and citizens. Values like liberty, economic growth, democracy, peace, science and innovation, political stability, consumers and social rights must be present in citizens' mindset as a result of a process that started 60 years ago.

EESC opinion: Single Market Communication

Gender equality is not only a human rights issue; it is a social and economic necessity for the EU, its Member States and businesses, as it hugely impacts on sustainable growth and GDP, while allowing to use the potential of 51% of the EU population.

EESC opinion: Gender equality issues (own initiative opinion)

According to Eurostat forecasts (2015), over the coming decades, Europe’s population will grow slowly from 507 million people in 2013 to 526 million in 2035. This will be accompanied by substantial ageing: the section of the population aged 65+ should increase from 18% to 28%. And by 2060 the 65+ age group will number 149 million.

EESC opinion: Economic, technological and social changes in advanced health services for the elderly (own-initiative opinion)